Established 31 years ago, the Lismore Lantern Parade is a nationally and internationally recognised, award-winning annual festival that this year celebrates the Winter Solstice on 21st June – the shortest day of the year, a time of optimism and renewal.
The celebration is based on a breath-taking parade of lanterns, light and performance through the main streets of Lismore, travelling through the heart of the city to climax with theatrical performances, fireworks and a spectacular bonfire.
The Lismore Lantern Parade enjoys considerable community engagement and involvement. Levels of participation and enthusiasm build in the months leading up to the event and culminate in the joyous celebration of the final parade.
The strength of this engagement is underpinned by partnerships with local educational and financial institutions, business, community groups and Lismore City Council, which recognises it as a Signature Event for the city.
Despite the challenges over the years, the Lantern Parade has never been cancelled, and has become a favourite date for family and friends ‘get-togethers’, with families being the major demographic. Seniors and grey nomads are also well represented, with the under 25s a steadily growing representation too.
The Lismore Lantern Parade enjoys unprecedented support from the local community and attracts a highly diverse audience of over 30,000 from all over Australia and the world. Around 2,500 people take part in the actual parade, which includes community organisations, schools and preschools, bands and many performers.
Local businesses and organisations participate as a part of their staff team-building. Participants come from throughout the region – Evans Head, Byron Bay to Tweed, Tabulam, Kyogle and Casino.
This year’s event is bigger and brighter with many favourites returning: Market deLight, KidsFest and the HeartBeats Stage. The theme this year is ‘The Return of the Sun’, with a nod to the Chinese Year of the Snake.
The Lantern Parade this year will feature an enactment of Jimmy Willing’s Revolutionary Army painting, which encourages people to dress up as Napoleonic soldiers, French and Mexican revolutionaries, Scotsmen in kilts, Tex-Mex cowgirls, gypsies and pirates. Lanterns are available to carry.
The epic Fiery Finale this year will take place at Oakes Oval, with ticketed grandstand and accessible seating, plus free grass spots. Tickets are available at lismorelanternparade.com.au. Organiser Jyllie Jackson said, “It’s going to be awesome!”
Volunteers to carry fire torches for the finale are still needed – go to the website. There will be free lantern-making workshops at Lismore Square, near House and SG Asian Supermarket, on Thursday 12th June, 4-5pm and Saturday 14th June, 12-1pm. Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Register to secure your place at: tinyurl.com/536t3pvf
